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ASK-THE-EXPERT

June 6, 2011How can we be more environmentally friendly as well as create a more sustainable mindset within our company?

During my many plant evaluations and general discussions
with different management teams the topic of pollution prevention,
environmental issues and sustainability is always being brought up. As printers
you can have a direct and immediate impact in all of these areas, and the key
to how successful you can be is really dependent on how much education you
provide to every person involved in your production process.

Whether you are
ISO approved or otherwise you need to document what you start with and in
particular what this creates in the form of waste, be it hazardous or waste that just
creates a further risk. Sustainability is all about reducing what you use or
better still what can be reused. On press this could mean installing chambered
ink systems, higher line count anilox, better roll cleaning, using bio
degradable non VOC no HAP cleaning solutions, printing with 4 color process, re-blending
of used ink, and keeping containers and open fountains covered.

Recycling of
cleaning solutions or the use of cleaning techniques such as ultrasonics both
reduce the amount of solution that has to be disposed of and help maintain the
efficiencies of your product and equipment. Reducing set up times and
materials are obvious areas that can have a radical impact on your efficiencies
and waste stream so do look at these areas closely. Segregating waste and the use of reusable
containers or recyclable materials are easy and very effective methods for all
companies wanting to see immediate benefits and savings. Making these changes
and looking for ways of finding more, means commitment from
owners and management at every level, so clear communication, encouragement,
recognition and training are all vital elements to achieving a more environmentally
friendly and sustainable program.